Sri Lanka Assures No Anti-India Activities

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake met with PM Modi in New Delhi.
2. Disanayake assured India that Sri Lankan territory won’t be used for anti-India activities.
3. Bilateral agreements were exchanged between India and Sri Lanka during the meeting.
4. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with India.
5. President Disanayake invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Sri Lanka’s Security Assurance to India

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During this meeting, Disanayake provided a key assurance that Sri Lankan land will not be used in any manner detrimental to the security interests of India. This assurance is a significant step for India, especially given the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region. The President stated that Sri Lanka is committed to strengthening its relationship with India. This commitment to regional security is crucial.

Bilateral Agreements and Invitation

During the meeting, several bilateral agreements were exchanged between the two nations. President Disanayake extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka. He emphasized that cooperation with India will flourish, and Sri Lanka will continue to support India. This visit signifies the strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka. President Disanayake was clear on his nation‘s vigilance regarding India’s security.

China’s Influence and Concerns

This assurance comes at a time when China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region is increasing. China’s “Mission Indian Ocean” strategy has raised strategic concerns for India. China’s takeover of the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka due to unpaid debts has transformed it into a docking point for Chinese naval and surveillance ships, raising security concerns for India. The port’s location near India’s southern coast is a major strategic concern. India closely monitors China’s increased activity in the region.

Previous Assurance

This is not the first instance of President Disanayake pledging security assurance to India. In October, shortly after taking office, he informed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo that Sri Lankan territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner detrimental to India’s security interests. The President appears determined to solidify relations with India.

Other Areas of Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayake also engaged in extensive discussions on bolstering India-Sri Lanka cooperation in several sectors including defense, trade, and investment. The Sri Lankan President is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya. This visit is strategically important for both countries.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

President Disanayake of Sri Lanka assured India that Sri Lankan land would not be used for anti-India activities. This is a major step towards strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties. The commitment reiterated by the President to bolster cooperation with India is crucial. The increasing influence of China remains a concern, but this move provides some relief to India.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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